The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1887-10-13
Knights and the Church,
Aaastor Workman Poyvdeny Ex-
plains the Attitude Of the Catholic
Church Toward 1s1O knig11t0.

Master Workman Povvder1y Ex-
plains the Attitude Of the Catholic
Church Toward the Knights.
The letter prepared by General Master
Workman Powderly upon the attitude OF
the Catholic Church towards the Enighte
sembly at Minneapolis. The main points
refer to an interview with Cardinal Glib
hons, by Mr.. PowdefIy, Brothers John ".
Hayes and Tom O'Rielly, and their c1pla
nation OF the principles Of the Knights Of
Labor.
During the interview, which od long dura-
ton, Cardinal Gibbons said in substance:
present conditioned the order il to us ~,
indication that the control
of your organization still rests with the
element, and is guarantee
that there will be no rash and dangerous
from those features of it's policy
which command the forbearance and re-
spect. if not the approval OF the entire
country. We do not infer that the objects
OF the knights of Labor are pTaneworehy
the Catholic church. The Catholic pre-
lates will declare in favor of labor. The
Ca tholic church in America will take side
OF the weaker against the stronger. We
believe that to rescue tho toiler
from the grasp of the selfish is q work for
the noblest and best of our race, and We
recognize that it is the Accomplishment of
Knights OF Labor is bending it's every
energy. The church is justly Hatchfu'
against all.
SECRET ORGANIZATIONS.
There is no need OF secrecy where the
It. At,o. n~E1 L. ~f
iustifiable. and secrecy raises a presump-
ton that there is something which will not
bear the light OF day. The Catholic church
is most visible to all creation. and it in
stinctive]y guards against secrecy and con-
cealment. We condemn the work OF an
archists. Like Samson of old, they would
fain pull down the edifice OF the constitu-
ton which shelters them, even though they
should perish in the ruins. The man that
and institutions of this great and glorious
country deserves the fate OF those who laid
profane hands on the ark of the living God.
Socialism takes defiant position beyond
the pale OF the church, and announces such
an extreme policy that one does not need
to hesitate d moment to reach a conclu-
sion as to it's merits and influence 1t
boldly abolishes all religious restraint as
fatuous; denounces sill extant forms OF
WOTSHlps stuu SOeo DdCk 20 WNaC IL
NATURE and what the world calls
atheism. We express full faith in the
maintenance OF friendliness between
the church and the order so long as you
keep free from affiliations with dangerous
associations and devote yourselves to the
tuliiliment OF your legitimate mission"
His eminence intimated to your commit
tee his intended journey to Rome. prom
ised to explain the purposes OF the organ
of haV n<S tod
mission to pledge the order to the mainte-
nance Of lawful and orderly behavior.
How this prince of the church fulfilled his
covenant made with us. and how he cham
pioned our cause in the eternal city, we
know full we'll; and the expression of pom
tifcial good will for the order of the
Knights Of Labor, which came to us last
March, was due solely to the earnest and
intelligent advocacy OF our cause by Cardi-
nal Gibbons. His eminence knew well how
to express and communicate the impulses
of his own inspired soul, and our grateful
and profound thanks are due to him for
the extra ordinary iavors he has bestowed
upon our order in overf1owins measure. In
his report to the propaganda his enhance
ssid: In submitting to the holy see
the conclusions which, after several months
OF observation and deep reflection seem to
me to sum I'D the question of the associa-
ton OF the Knights OF Labor, l am strong
ly convinced Of the vast Importance OF this
question, which forms but one ring in the
great chain of the social problems of our
day and especially Of our country. The
order is not hostile to religion. We have
not found in the constitution, bylaws and
official declarations the elements which the
holy see so clearly indicates as condemna-
tory, and the formula OF the organization
contains neither oath or obligation which
v0raclnlox those who do mot ha1nnu fn
from becoming acquainted with their al
fairs. This has been especially explained
to us by the principal officers. No promise
OF blind obedience is required. Not only
their objects and their rules are not hostile
to religion or the church. but the very con-
trary. 1t seems to me plain that the holy
see cannot entertain the proposal to con
denim the Knights OF Labor.
First-Because such a condemnation
does not appear to be justified. either by
the letter or by the spirit Of it's constitu-
ton, OF its laws, or by the declaration OF
its heads.
Second-That such a condemnation does
not appear necessary in view OF the tran.
scent form OF the organization and of the
social condition OF the United States.
Third-That it should not be prudent.
on account OF the reality: OF the wrongs OF
the workingnlen, and the fact that the OK
istence OF such is admitted by the Ameri-
can public.
Fourth-That it would be dangerous to
the reputation OF the church in our demo
cratic country.
Filth-That it would be powerless to COM
pei the obedience of our Catholic W orkmen
who would regard it as false and iniquit-
GUS.
Sixth-That it would be destructive in
stead of beneficial in its effects, forcing the
sons OF the church to rebel against their
mother and to range themselves with
condemned socialists which they have
hitherto avoid d.
Seventl-That it would turn into doubt
and hostility the marked devotion OF our
people toward the Holy See.
Eighth-That it would be regarded as
cruel blow to the authority OF the bishops
OF the United States, who, it is we'll known
protest against such condemnation
Thus it will be seen that his eminence
made a forcible public plea for the work
ing classes. The bearing OF the Vatican,
toward the order has been friendly and
conciliatory. The Knights of Labor re-
main untouched, and it will be our par
ticular duty to prevent the order from
committing any thing against the
CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL LAWS
which might he condemned by the church
or state. His holiness, the pope, wisely
determined not to provoke anantagonism
between the church and the mighty indus
trial power that is now making itself felt
throughout this free land OF ours, and
Leo MI has shown that he is neither rash
nor ilIii'eral. Mr.. Powderly then quotes
letters from Cardinals Manning and Glib
bons giving their views in relation to the
order. Cardinal Gibbons letter closes as
follows: Remember that the eyes of your
countrymen arc upon you, and that they
will watch your proceedings with
the deepest interest. As a law abiding and
industrious body, seeking by all honorable
means to improve your condition, you
owe it to yourselves and to the good name
OF your order to set your faces against
anar chists, nihilists and other dangerous
associations which are guilty of the base
insratitude of attempting to undermine
the government that protects them and
the temple OF the constitution that shell
ters them. Do not permit your reputation
to be tainted by any morbid sympathy
for men who have no substantial griev-
ance to redress and who strive to make
their cause respectable by obtaining the
COnnlvanca If not tha ooncfion ~